Clarendon Enterprise - 11.24.22

$200 Single Copy

THIS WEEK

2 Big Tech needs to pay local outlets for the journalism they use.

3 Clarendon Scouts advance in rank during Court of Honor.

4 The Cub Reporter gives thanks for many blessings.

8 And the Broncos get ready to take on New Home for the Regional title.

All this and much more as The Enterprise reports in this week’s amazing edition!

Plans set for annual Thanksgiving meal

Plans are underway for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner to be held November 24 at the Clarendon School Cafeteria.

The meal will be served start ing at 11 a.m. at the school cafete ria. Donations will be accepted.

Angel Tree taking applications now

Applications for the Angel Tree are available now at Burton Memorial Library.

Children ages 12 and under who live in Donley County are eligible. Applications are due by December 1.

Those wishing to select angels from the tree may stop by the library between November 7 and December 2.

Gifts will be due back to the library by December 14.

Local cities receive higher tax revenues

All three Donley County municipalities showed gains for sales tax revenues when Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar dis tributed monthly allocations for November.

Clarendon received $51,628.89 for the month, up 1.9 percent from the same period one year ago. The city’s calendar yearto-date total is now up 4.47 per cent at $466,997.49.

Hedley saw a gain of 17.06 percent with an allocation of $1,877.60, but that city is still down 5.71 percent for the year-todate at $11,600.66.

Howardwick’s November allocation was $2,389.92, up 18.59 percent compared to one year ago. The lakeside city is now 10.07 percent ahead for 2022 with sales tax revenues of $20,507.37.

Statewide, Hegar sent $1.1 billion in local sales tax alloca tions for November, 7.1 percent more than in November 2021.

These allocations are based on sales made in September by businesses that report tax monthly, and on sales made in July, August and September by quarterly filers.

Lions Toys for Joy drive now underway

The Clarendon Lions Club has formally started its new “Toys for Joy” drive to donate one toy to every elementary school aged student in Clarendon and Hedley elementary schools.

The club is needing more toys and cash donations to make this great project happen.

Toy collection boxes have been set up at the CISD Admin istration Building, the Visitor Center, Brake Time, the Enterprise and Lowe’s Family Center.

If you’d like to make a mon etary donation, call Lion Roger Estlack at 806-662-4689 or stop by the Enterprise.

Family fun, savings set for holiday weekend

Family fun and local savings abound as Donley County gets ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving week end with the Chamber of Commerce promoting Small Business Satur day, the ninth annual lighting of the Donley County Courthouse, and the annual Polar Express event at the Mulkey Theatre.

“Shop Small Big Christmas” is the promotion from the Clarendon Chamber of Commerce this holiday season that will put a grand total of $550 in Chamber Christmas Cash in the hands of lucky winners who shop with local merchants.

Sign-ups begin Saturday for

drawings that will be held for $100 on December 2, 9, and 16; and the big $250 giveaway will be held December 23.

Participating merchants include Amanda’s Country Soaps, Country Bloomer’s Flowers & Gifts, Every Nook & Cranny, Henson’s, J&W Lumber, Mike’s Pharmacy, Ram bling Ranch Boutique, Saye’s Flying A Tack, Whistle-Stop, and Wicked Fast Attire

To enter, shoppers will fill out an entry at local participating mer chants. The Chamber will gather them up each Friday morning, and hold the drawings live on the Cham

ber’s Facebook. Enter as many times as you shop locally, so shop often. Entries stay in the hopper each week, so those who enter will have multi ple chances to win.

See the Chamber ad on page 7 to see which merchants have special events planned for this Saturday.

A Donley County Craft Show will also be held at the EDC Build ing at 118 S. Kearney on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The fun continues Saturday evening at the Donley County Court house at 5 p.m. The official Court house Lighting includes visits with Santa Claus, music, hot cocoa from

the Lions Club, and the lighting of the courthouse square.

The Christmas celebration con tinues Sunday evening with a special showing of The Polar Express at the Mulkey Theatre.

Admission will be a donation to the Donley County Community Fund, and attendees are encouraged to get into the spirit of the movie by wearing their pajamas to the show, which starts at 6 p.m.

Local merchants are ready to help you find something for every one on your Christmas list with spe cials this holiday season. Details on local sales are printed in the Holiday

Gift Guide included in this week’s Clarendon Enterprise and also avail able at ClarendonLive.com.

Small Business Saturday began in 2010 when it was founded by American Express to help small businesses get more exposure during one of the biggest shopping week ends of the year.

According to small business advocates, every $100 spent in locally-owned stores returns $68 to the local community through taxes, payrolls, and other expenditures. That same money spent in another town or online returns nothing to your local community.

State looking at new way to fund colleges

Texas must develop an innova tive new model to fund community colleges that rewards colleges for awarding degrees, certificates, and other “credentials of value” that will soon be required in more than 60 percent of the state’s jobs.

Clarendon College president Tex Buckhaults says the proposal could lead to beneficial legislation for small community colleges.

“We put a lot of effort into these recommendations,” Buckhaults said, “and there’s the potential to greatly improve funding for Clarendon Col lege and other community colleges.”

Area Champions

Franks excited for repeat at NFR

By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

Cole Franks made an impres sive statement in 2021 during his inaugural season in ProRodeo: He’d claimed the collegiate all-around and bareback riding titles. He was named the Bareback Riding Resistol Rookie of the Year. He qualified for his first National Finals Rodeo and finished third in the world standings.

It was a remarkable beginning for the second-generation cowboy from Clarendon, and he bounded into his sophomore campaign during the 2022 season with plenty of con fidence and talent. With that, he’ll make his return to the sport’s biggest stage, the NFR, set for December 1-10 in Las Vegas.

“This year was a little more challenging in a way,” said Franks, 21, who won the intercollegiate title while competing for Clarendon Colleges. “It was a lot different. They changed the rule to where we couldn’t double up on rodeos on the same day. It was easier in that sense, because we didn’t have to decide between two rodeos, but it made it a little harder.

“When we were rodeoing, because of that rule, everyone else was in the same places we were. It made it to where sometimes it was so crammed full of people that it was a lot harder to win.”

He found his way to the win ner’s circle anyway, proving talent and a powerful mindset can go a long way. Through the course of the campaign, he picked up 10 victories and earned $116,426; he heads to Las Vegas No. 10 in the world stand ings and will have a chance to battle for the coveted world championship.

“I honestly think the key was staying at it, making every horse count,” said Franks, who credits much of his success to his sponsors, Pete Carr Pro Rodeo, Cinch, West ern Legacy Co. and 287 Ag. “You want to do the best you can with what horse you’ve drawn. If you don’t have one you can typically win on, then you’ve got to flash it up and do what you can.”

It takes a combination of key victories and making the most of one’s rides count in order to qualify for the NFR. He is $45,500 behind

DCCF seeks donations during Panhandle Gives

As part of a national day known as Giving Tuesday, the local Donley County Community Fund (DCCF) is participating in The Panhandle Gives campaign.

For nine days from November 21 through November 29, all funds raised locally will be increased through a match from the Amarillo Area Foundation.

“Participating in this campaign is an opportunity for our local fund balance to grow,” DCCF chair Jacob Fangman said.

The DCCF is a local board whose purpose is to raise money for a perpetuating fund while contribut ing a portion of the money to local organizations.

Over the past six years, the DCCF has been able to give $7,500 to local charities while increasing its

own fund balance, thanks to support from county-wide residents.

So the DCCF can benefit from the match, anyone wishing to par ticipate needs to donate by Monday, November 28, so the deposit can be made on GivingTuesday.

GivingTuesday is a movement held annually in all 50 states on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday giving season to dem onstrate that every act of generosity counts towards giving back to local communities and the causes they support.

Contributions can be mailed to Donley County Community Fund, c/o Jacob Fangman, Box 906, Clarendon, TX 79226. Checks should be made out to The Panhan dle Gives, with DonleyCCF written on the memo line.

the

of $29,000 each night.

Just a few years ago, round winners were making $10,000 less. It’s a good trend in a sport where

there are no guarantees. Unlike other professional sports where athletes have surefire contracts that pay them whether they’re in the game or not, rodeo cowboys make their livings eight seconds at a time. They don’t get paid unless

There are currently 11 com munity colleges with enrollments of less than 5,000 students, Buckhaults said, which could benefit from the new funding mechanism.

The Texas Commission on Community College Finance (TxCCCF) recommended these changes in a report submitted to state leaders in advance of the 88th legis lative session, which commences Jan. 10. The commission – made up of 12 lawmakers, business leaders, and community college officials –was established by the Legislature last year through Senate Bill 1230 to help the state update its decadesold community college funding model to meet the changing needs of employers and the Texas economy.

TxCCCF offers three sets of recommendations for a new model that support the goals of Building a Talent Strong Texas, the state’s strategic plan for higher education: Reward community colleges for positive student outcomes; Increase affordability and financial aid, including for low-income students; and Increase capacity at colleges to meet changing workforce needs.

“We need a funding model for our 50 community college districts that is bold, strategic, and fully aligned with our emerging work force needs,” said Woody Hunt, TxCCCF chairman. “Colleges must have the resources to help more Texas students enroll and earn cre dentials that will create new oppor tunities for their families and for the entire state.”

The TxCCCF recommenda tions tie funding to measurable student-focused outcomes. These include: The number of credentials of value awarded, including badges, certificates, and degrees, that posi tion graduates for well-paying jobs.

Credentials of value awarded in high-demand fields where employ ers are looking for skilled employ ees. Successful student transfers from community colleges to fouryear universities. Completion of a sequence of dual credit courses, which are offered to high school students and can set them on early pathways to success.

State Runner-Up

Buckhaults said his only hesi tation is language that “encourages” colleges to develop a system of shared services. He said Clarendon and other small colleges will be watching to make sure that remains a voluntary option and not a man date so that small schools don’t have to worry about losing jobs.

Eagle Scout Steven Mills was recognized last week by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Texas as being the runner-up for the State Scout of the Year for 2022. Mills was presented the honor by members of the VFW last Tuesday at the First Christian Church. He is a member of Scouts BSA Troop 433 in Clarendon.

leader, Wyoming cowboy Cole Reiner, but that deficit can be sur passed in just two rounds in Vegas, where go-round winners pocket just shy

Cole Franks riding at the 2021 NFR. COURTESY PHOTO / ROBBY FREEMAN

The Clarendon Broncos beat Ralls last Friday to secure the Area title and will face New Home this week. See page eight for playoff details.

ENTERPRISE PHOTO / ROGER ESTLACK

Thoughts about Thanksgiving from WTAMU

By Walter Wendler

When confronted with challenging times like ours, it is easy to lose heart, appreciation, gratefulness and admiration – in a word, thanksgiving – for the people and places we call home.

Our University has been fortunate to have many distinguished leaders. One of those luminaries is President J. A. Hill, who began a 30-year legacy of leadership in September 1918 after President R. B. Cousins resigned. While numerous factors led to Hill’s successful tenure as president, I believe that one of his most salient strengths was his career as a historian. Understanding history allows us to understand our past, situate our present and to chart a course forward to benefit students, institution and region alike. While many of Hill’s ideas seem antiquated, his intentionality in moving the institution forward, and indeed his suc cess, is something for which we should all be thankful.

In a speech on November 24, 1932 to the Texas State Teachers Association in Fort Worth, Texas, Hill situated the times with prescience only available to a skillful historian. Please remember with me the times and the state of our nation. In the vice grip on the thirties, one jaw of which was World War I, and the second jaw of which was World War II, and the pres sures of these wars squeezed this seemingly endless Great Depression into our national consciousness. Challenges unlike any previously endured. Beyond the cultural context of the day, relentless want and need was a testing, tempering epoch in our nation’s history. In that speech, he said, “That we are living in an era of criticism – that all institutions, especially public ones, are under fire and must justify themselves anew – it is a commonplace observation.” Who said “history repeats itself?” I am thankful that President Hill could situate the University in its present and future. Who knew then what we, nearly a century later, now know – Bob Dylan was wrong when he chirruped, “For the times, they are a changin’.” What we see, we have seen before. Little has changed save the nuances of circumstance.

In a pre-Christmas address to the students of West Texas State Teachers College on December 15, 1923, Hill recognized the power and importance of dealing with students individually and distinctively. In this chapel speech, he reflected:

I pray that each of you will feel that I am talk ing directly to you in a very intimate and personal sort of way. I know that as the days have passed and I have come to know you better; as I have watched your devotion to the welfare of your best selves; as I have seen you struggle with stubborn adversity, like heroes in the strife; as I have witnessed your bounding enthusiasm for life and have observed the origin and growth of your useful aspiration; as I have seen your joy in triumph and your disappointment in defeat; as I have watched the process of your readjustment to your environment and have studied your reaction to strange stimuli; in short as I have seen you in the process of becoming the men and women God intended you should be, my heart was swelled with pride and I have reverently thanked him who orders our lives that my lines have fallen in pleasant places.

I am thankful that Hill, a passionate leader, valued people. Each person was respected for their uniqueness and individuality, which held sway over this place we call home. He set a pace, followed by many others. He did not see people in groups. He saw individuals with passionate aspirations, capacities, interests and capa bilities. This kind of attention to personal distinctive ness is indeed something to be thankful for.

Personally, the most powerful crystallization of Thanksgiving is recorded by T.S. Eliot in his final poem of his Four Quartets, “The Little Gidding:” “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” This is the ultimate goal of any University, and we should be very thankful if we value thankfulness. That an educational organization might produce new technology, new ways of doing things, and new insights is fine. And, good. But, most importantly, it brings us to know ourselves. It allows us to know who we are in relationship to the many others to whom we are connected. This quite possibly is what Hill meant when in his address delivered to the Northwest Texas Conference for Education in Amarillo in March 1942 at the height of his second great war, “Every page of human history reveals the aspiration of man to be free – the aspiration to release his physical, intellectual and spiritual resources for self-develop ment, for service to others, and for collaboration with divinity.”

Is this the end of our exploration, or is it the beginning? To know ourselves is the ultimate educa tional experience – journeys end. I am thankful that President J. A. Hill, in all of his frailty, with the stain of human nature upon him, in the prison of his own experience, was able to go beyond: from, past and out side of it and project it into a future he knew not, for generations to come. A true historian at work. We are grateful and full of thanksgiving.

Walter V. Wendler is President of West Texas A&M University. His weekly columns are available at https:// walterwendler.com/

By John Galer

The powers that Google and Face book have over economic and political power in society – especially over the news industry – has caught the attention of lawmakers in Washington, DC. After a close election and many worries over the quality of public debate, many ask if social media have played a role in the misinformation that erodes our free press and plagues our democracy.

Nowhere is this power more daunt ing than in the social media giants’ use of news organizations’ reporting, which the platforms use without compensation to journalists. Google and Facebook have a duopoly of the distribution of dig ital news content, which drives people to the social media platforms where the owners make money. The platforms hoard critical data and use clever tactics, like reframing stories in rich previews, to keep users on their sites – siphoning off the advertising revenue that small and local publishers need.

Every hour that goes by, Google

and Facebook generate millions of dol lars in U.S. advertising revenue. That amount could fund dozens of local jour nalists. But local newspapers in many communities that are funding the people who report on fair and free elections are struggling to meet payroll.

It is time for a change, before we head into another brutal and divisive election season leading up to the 2024 elections. America needs real, factual and independent news reporting more than ever. While national media may be treated with skepticism, research shows that local news media are generally trusted. But will they have the revenue to do the job?

Congress must take action to curb undue influence of Big Tech on the news media industry and make sure the work of local news-gatherers is fairly com pensated. The Journalism Competition and Preservation Act (JCPA) aims to do just that.

The JCPA is specifically designed to make sure Google and Facebook pay

for what they use. The proposed legisla tion would provide a temporary, limited antitrust safe harbor for small and local news publishers to collectively negoti ate with Facebook and Google for fair compensation for the use of journalists’ content. The policy also incentivizes and rewards publishers who invest in their journalists and newsroom person nel, awarding outlets with demonstrated investments in their staff a larger portion of the funds that result from the negotia tions.

By addressing Google’s and Face book’s monopoly power and ensuring more subscription and advertising dol lars flow back to publishers, the JCPA not only protects and promotes quality news, but also encourages competition. Congress has made progress on this leg islation. It should finish the job before the end of the year.

John Galer is the chair of National Newspaper Association, a 137-year-old organization representing community newspapers.

at Clarendon, Texas 79226-1110. Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved. This paper’s first duty is to print all the news that is fit to print, honestly and fairly to all, unbiased by any consideration even its own editorial opinion. Any erroneous reflection upon the character, stand ing, or reputation of any person, firm, or corporation which may occur in the columns of The Clarendon Enterprise will be gladly corrected upon being brought to the attention of the management.

ENTERPRISE STAFF

Roger A. Estlack Publisher & Editor

Ashlee Estlack Contributing Editor

Tara Allred Office Director

CORRESPONDENTS

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LETTERS

Letters to the editor are welcome. Views expressed in letters are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or staff of The Clarendon Enter prise. Submission of a letter does not guar

Spinning tops flung long ago finally stopped, they were like the season’s final flailing of turkeys soon to be main courses on Thanksgiving tables.

For some journalists, however, minds continue to spin – conjuring, probing, marveling and expressing –thoughts about life, sometimes exceed ing sublime or falling short of ridiculous.

Such is the mind of my friend Glenn Dromgoole, a talented wordsmith who fell into the swirling word pool, splashing about in it for some halfcentury…. *****

Glenn’s latest book, Just Happy to be Here, has 247 pages of words written “to encourage, enlighten, entertain,” and they do. The reading evokes both tears and laughter. Starting out as a preacher’s kid – then writing and editing for Texas newspapers—he switched gears a while back. Far from retired, he continues his fascination in the great ocean of words.

Now, he publishes, reviews and sells books with his wife, Carol, at their Texas Star Trading Company, a book, gift and gourmet shop in Abilene. (I should mention that during his collegiate days at Texas A&M University, he was editor of The Battalion. Maybe that’s because some members of the adminis tration who chafed at his “why” or “why not?” questions may still be living, and might buy books.)…. *****

Old-time newspaper folks remem ber when stories went from typewriters to Linotype, and space often dictated shortening of type. The unused lines became “overset,” usually never to see the light of day.

His latest literary effort is a cornu copia of life’s “overset,” capturing feel

ings, hopes, admissions and chal lenges not covered in his earlier books or in the dozens of books that he has pub lished.

He has been my friend for some 55 years. I can easily imagine his being the preschooler asking, “Why is a cow?” or the univer sity newspaper editor questioning “the way we’ve always done it.”

Unquestionably, though, he’s always made his communities better places to live, and his writing of prose and poetry has warmed hearts across the land, encouraging with his “sunny-side up” views….

*****

There’s no way to describe his newest book; it covers many unlikely topics, including a chapter on commas. (I wrote the previous sentence mainly to show him I know how to use semicolons – sometimes.)

He deals lightly with “the gram mar police,” writing more often about life’s experiences, liberally sprinkled with whimsey and such. I particularly enjoyed the chapter, “My Dog and Your Dog,” where he contrasts “me and mine” versus “thee and thine.”

Some items warrant referencing here: “When my dog barks, it is simply expressing itself. When your dog barks, it is being obnoxious.” Dozens of twoliners later, it closes with, “My dog accepts me unconditionally. Your dog

accepts you anyway.”….

I hasten to add that Glenn offers practical suggestions worthy of consid eration by “powers that be.” One would make the term “student athlete” more accurate – and far less “oxymoronish” –ln describing make-up of many college football and basketball teams.

It could make good sense determin ing outcomes of games that are tied at the end of regulation play.

Instead of overtime periods to break ties, coaches shall choose 11 players from each team in football (five in bas ketball) to meet at midfield or midcourt for an academic shoot-out of questions concerning science, math, history, geog raphy and literature….

My friend risks copyright infringe ment of the late comedienne Minnie Pearl. She was always “Just-so-PROUDto-be-here.” Like Minnie Pearl, though, he’s always had “what you see is what you get” sartorial leanings. He doesn’t care for neckties, and when being “groomed” for Abilene’s “citizen of the year” award in 2013, he wore a bowtie. To him, a “come-as-you-are” invitation means open collar with hair in “wakeup-and-locked” position.

This book is available on Amazon, but he’d prefer orders to the Drom gooles’ store (www.texasstartrading. com). He autographs store-bought books, of course. (Final note: Glenn has little use for quotation marks. That’s why I’m using them excessively.) *****

Dr. Newbury, longtime university president, continues to write weekly and speak throughout Texas.

Scouts Advancing

NOTICE OF APPLICATION OF SOUTHWESTERN ELECTRIC POWER COMPANY FOR AUTHORITY TO RECONCILE FUEL COSTS

Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) applied to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (Commission) on August 31, 2022, for authority to reconcile its eligible fuel expenses and revenues for the period of January 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021 (Reconciliation Period). SWEPCO’s request, if granted, will affect all of SWEPCO’s Texas retail customers who pay fixed fuel factors. The request has no effect on SWEPCO’s non-fuel base rates.

During the Reconciliation Period, SWEPCO incurred a total of $673,456,496 in eligible fuel, fuel-related expenses, and purchased-power costs to generate and purchase electric energy for its Texas retail customers, as well as expenses associated with environmental consumables and emission allowance costs incurred by SWEPCO and allocated to its Texas retail customers. As of the end of the Reconciliation Period, SWEPCO calculates that it has under-recovered its Texas retail fuel, fuel-related, and purchased-power costs by $226,582,663, excluding interest. Including interest, SWEPCO’s cumulative under-recovery balance is $227,527,608 as of December 31, 2021. SWEPCO seeks have the fuel over- / under-recovery balances, including interest, established by customer class as of the end of the Reconciliation Period. SWEPCO also requests a prudence finding for certain fuel-related contracts and arrangements entered into or modified during the Reconciliation Period. Finally, SWEPCO requests recovery of its reasonable rate-case expenses associated with this fuel reconciliation proceeding and certain prior fuel-related proceedings, including those expenses paid to reimburse municipalities for their participation.

Persons with questions or who want more information on this petition may contact SWEPCO at 428 Travis Street, Shreveport, Louisiana 71101, or call toll-free at (888) 216-3523 during normal business hours. A complete copy of this application is available for inspection at the address listed above.

Persons who wish to formally participate in this proceeding, or who wish to express their comments concerning this petition should contact the Public Utility Commission of Texas, Office of Customer Protection, P.O. Box 13326, Austin, Texas 78711-3326, or call (512) 936-7120, or toll free at 1-888-782-8477. Hearing- and speech-impaired individuals with text telephones (TTY) may call (512) 936-7136 or use Relay Texas (toll free) at 1-800-735-2989. A request for intervention or for further

should refer to Docket No. 53931.

Hedley UIL team. Walker Trent, Takoda Williams, Brady Goodwin, Kali Curry, Kaitin Ehlert, Annabell Villarreal, Autumn Shatswell, Traci Love, Maddex Gay, Jeremiah Shelley, Cristina Silvestre, Kinley McClelland. COURTESY PHOTO

The Hedley Junior High School girls attended the WISE (Women in Science and Engineering) Confer ence in Amarillo where they attended various STEM workshops. COURTESY PHOTO

Clarendon Cub Scouts Kase Zongker and Rylan Taylor

their God & Family award

at workshop in Amarillo last Saturday. Kinze Zongker also completed her God & Me award requirements at the workshop.

COURTESY PHOTO / ELIZABETH ZONGKER

Clarendon Scouts BSA Troops 433 and 4433 were recognized in a Court of Honor last Tuesday eve ning at the First Christian Church. Elaina Estlack, Jaxon Robertson, and Emily Dzamko all advanced to the Life Scout rank, and all scouts were presented with numerous merit badges they have earned over the last several months. Mason Allred, Benjamin Estlack, Daniel Estlack, Koltyn Shields, and Kasey Eugea (along with Henry and Haughton Bivens and Evelyn Mills) were recognized as earn ing their Eagle ranks. Those will be presented during ceremonies in December. Shown here are Scoutmaster Russell Estlack, Assistant Scoutmaster Linda Rowland, Senior Patrol Leader Kasey Eugea, Emily Dzamko, Elaina Estlack, Jaxon Robertson, Steven Mills, Benjamin Estlack, Mason Allred, Daniel Estlack, and Koltyn Shields.

ENTERPRISE PHOTO / ROGER ESTLACK

Pasa?

Menus

Nov. 28 - Dec. 2

Donley County Senior Citizens

Mon: Spaghetti/meat sauce, green beans, garlic bread, applesauce, iced tea/2% milk.

Tues: Chicken & dumplings, mixed vegetables, tropical fruit blend, snicker doodle, iced tea/2% milk.

Wed: Beef stew, garden salad, corn bread, mandarin oranges, iced tea/2% milk.

Thurs: Beans & rice, carrots, french bread, fruit cocktail, graham crack ers, iced tea/2% milk.

Fri: Pulled pork sandwich, potato salad, broccoli salad, baked apple, iced tea/2% milk.

Hedley Senior Citizens

Mon: Stuffed baked potato, steamed broccoli, apple crisp, wheat roll, iced tea/2% milk.

Tue: Broccoli & cheese soup, grilled chicken sandwich, lettuce, tomato, Jello with fruit, iced tea/2% milk.

Wed: Beef enchiladas, charro beans, tossed salad, yogurt parfait, iced tea/2% milk.

Clarendon ISD

Breakfast

Mon: Pancakes, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Tues: Breakfast taco, hashbrowns, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Wed: Waffles, sausage, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Thu: Stuffed bagel, cheese stick, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Fri: Oatmeal, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Lunch Mon: Chicken spaghetti, breadstick, salad, tomato cup, fruit, milk.

Tues: Frito pie, beans, veggie cup, fruit, milk.

Wed: Cheesy breadsticks, broccoli, marinara sauce, cookie, fruit, milk.

Thu: Boneless chicken, chips, celery, carrots, fruit, milk.

Fri: Steak fingers, gravy, roll, green beans, corn, fruit, milk.

Breakfast

Holiday crafting

Cub Reporter has alot to be thankful for

Since this week is Thanksgiv ing, I decided I would like to write about everything and everyone that I am thankful for.

First things first, I am thank ful for my family and my parents for always supporting me and being amazing role models for me. I am also thankful for all of my friends and all of the activities that we get to do with each other.

Lady Broncos JV earn Silver Bracket Championship

The Lady Bronco junior var sity played several tough teams in the Amarillo High JV Tournament last weekend and brought home the Silver Bracket Championship.

They faced off against West Plains and Childress on the first day and defeated West Plains 53-33. The ladies jumped out to an early lead and carried that through to the final quarter. WP staged a small come back late in the game and outscored the Lady Broncos by six, but it was not enough. Kashlyn Conkin put in five three pointers to lead the way with 17 and Gracie Ellis added 13. They were able to crush Childress 70-38. It was never a contest as the ladies held the upper hand from the beginning. Kimbrasia Ballard was solid underneath and finished with 17 points. Gracie Clark put in 14 that included one three-pointer.

On Friday, Amarillo JV proved to be a tougher opponent and the Lady Broncos lost 26-51. The ladies played hard the first half and stayed with the Lady Sandies, but a slow shooting third quarter put the ladies behind and they struggled to make up any ground. Presley Smith led with 14 points.

They played Canadian and Spearman on the final day and defeated both teams for the cham pionship. They won over Canadian 49-31 and held off Spearman 39-34 for the win. The Lady Wildcats could not stop the Lady Broncos as they were able to execute on both ends of the court. Conkin finished with 13 and Smith added 12. Millie McA near and Kimbrasia Ballard played hard to end with seven apiece, and Madie Benson and Elliot Frausto had five each.

I am thank ful for my Boy Scout leaders and my fellow Scouts for all of the help they have provided to me on my road to achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

I am thankful for all of my teachers for helping to teach me and shape me into a better person. I am also thankful for my band family and all of the amazing times we have gotten to spend together.

I am also very thankful for all of the people that read my articles, and I wish you all a very Happy Thanks giving!

Hedley ISD

Mon: Sausage kolache, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Tues: Cheese omelet, toast, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Wed: Power breakfast, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Thu: Breakfast pizza, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Fri: French toast, sausage, fruit juice, fruit, milk.

Lunch Mon: Meat & cheese chalupas, salsa, beans, corn, orange smiles, pudding, milk.

Tues: Chili cheese totchos, veggie cup, potatoes, bananas & strawber ries, breadsticks, milk.

Wed: Chicken nuggets, mac & cheese, carrots, squash, grapes, milk.

Thu: Hamburger, tomato cup, garden salad, pears, chips, milk.

Fri: Texas basket, corn, cucumbers, rosy applesauce, cookie, milk.

The Lady Broncos played from behind in the first half against Spear man, but they regrouped at half time to take a four-point lead. Ellis, Conkin, and Ballard put in eight points each and Clark added seven in the win.

The Lady Broncos made easy work of Dumas at home defeating them 54-19. The ladies made a huge push in the second quarter and held a comfortable lead going into the second half. They were able to coast in the last two quarters to get the win. Ballard and Smith played hard and finished with 14 and 11 points.

All the ladies played solid bas ketball and contributed to the win.

Elliot Frausto, Millie McAnear, and Ellis had six points each, Conkin put in five, and Benson and Trystan Brown had two apiece.

Terry & Jason Wheeler, C.A. TPCL 10615 www.acepestcontrol.pro 806-372-5449 ace.pest@yahoo.com

Pretreatments

Lifestar is an AirMedCare Network provider. Expenses for emergency air medical transport can put stress on your finances. With an AMCN membership, you will have no outof-pocket expenses if flown by an AMCN provider. Best of all, memberships start at just $85 per year ($65 for Seniors) and cover your entire household. Contact: Nicole Brooke at 806-231-4548 Nicole.Brooke@gmr.net • www.amcnrep.com/Nicole-Brooke

the cub reporter by benjamin estlack

Volunteers with the Donley County Senior Citizens and the Golden Needles Quilting Club prepared 160 ornaments last week. The decorations will be presented as gifts to volunteers at the center and to those receiving Meals on Wheels.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Clarendon Lady Broncos JV team won the Silver Bracket Championship at the Amarillo JV Tournament last week.

COURTESY PHOTO

Thanks so much for your trust in us. We hope the joy and traditions of Thanksgiving fill your heart and home with enough joy and contentment to last all year!

Lady Bronco Hayden Elam looks for an open teammate last week against Dumas.

COURTESY PHOTO

Thomas

John Wesley Thomas Jr. went home to

Lord on Novem ber 19, 2022.

Wesley was a man that was dedicated to the Lord and his family.

Services were held on Tues day Novem ber 22, 2022, at Cox-Row ley funeral home chapel.

Wesley was born June 10, 1926 in Hunter, Oklahoma to John Thomas and Clara Moxley.

Wesley was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Betty Sue Thomas, sons Jim Travis and Light nin McDuff and a daughter, Debra Reece and her husband Rick Reece.

Wesley was survived by his son John Wesley Thomas III and his wife Beckey Thomas, and daughterin-law Debby Carey, grandchil dren J.W. Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Karlee Thomas, Jacob Thomas, Dylan Reece, Matt Thomas, April Carey, Jamie Chafin and Josh Arnett, 15 great grandchildren and 8 greatgreat grandchildren whom he loved dearly.

Wesley was known and loved by so many. He met many people during his years at Pantex as a tool and die maker. Now if you asked his grandkids what he did for a living, they would have told you he made toilet paper. They always wondered why that was such a high demand job. Pantex was the job Wesley pur sued mainly during the years when his children were growing up. Along with working at Pantex, Wesley shoed horses, something he learned and did for a source of income since he was a teenager. In fact, he went on to teach horse shoeing classes at TSTI. It wasn’t unusual to go by his house on Hastings and see several horses lined up waiting to be shoed before he went to work at Pantex. Wesley had shoeing down to an art. He could look at a horse and tell you

exactly what needed to be done do to fix their feet. After retiring from Pantex, Wesley and Betty moved to Clarendon where they purchased a ranch and made a home. Wesley spent most of his retirement years running cattle, training horses, and living out the cowboy dream.

After Betty passed in 2012 Wesley move back to Amarillo to be closer to family. Wesley never missed a chance to go to a family reunion, he always cherished his family. He also loved playing music. He never missed a chance to pay in a jamboree.

He loved getting together with friends and entertaining others. He knew how to play the guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, or anything with strings. He never turned up an oppor tunity to use his talent in church as well. He performed for praise and worship as often as he could. Wesley wasn’t only known for his musical talents but his ability to create them. He built many guitars and violins for himself and others. One of Wesley’s favorite stories to tell was the day he was born. His life here on earth has been a miracle since day one. When Wesley was born, let’s just say the doctor wasn’t completely sober and presumed he was not alive. The doctor sat him off in a window seal to tend to his mother Clara. Wesley’s oldest sister Leon didn’t give up on him so easily. She picked him up, wrapped him in a blanket rubbing him and stimulating him. That is when Wesley whimpered out a cry that forever changed the path of his life.

Wesley loved the holidays. Yes, he loved the significance of them but what touched his heart the most was the family time. Nothing touched him more than for everyone to come together. He would always look at all his family with such a sense of humbled pride. He was grateful for the legacy that he has created. Our hearts are both filled with sorrow knowing we will not see him again here on earth but joy that he is home with the Lord, his wife, and his chil dren in heaven. If ever there were a person who left a legacy behind to be remembered by, it’s Wesley and the love he had for life which he

spoke of frequently with fulfillment and joy, his family that he poured so much love into, and the Lord whom he dedicated his life to. We rejoice in the knowledge that this is not good bye, but we will see you later when we enter the gates of heaven, and you are there to greet us with your handsome smile and loving arms.

Ledbetter

Edward Wayne Ledbetter, 85, of Lubbock formerly of Clarendon died Sunday, November 20, 2022 in Lubbock.

Grave side services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, November 28, 2022 in Citizens Cemetery in Clarendon.

Arrangements are under the direction of Robertson Funeral Directors of Clarendon.

Edward was born March 22, 1937 in Holdenville, Oklahoma to Edward Richard and Nora Jewel Hulsey Ledbetter. He had been a longtime resident of Clarendon before moving to Lubbock three years ago. Edward was an old school maker of many things. He loved working on cars and motorcycles, welding, and working with cattle and horses. He enjoyed fishing, watch ing westerns, Nascar, eating peanut butter and drinking mini Pepsi. He also loved listening to Church on Sundays on the radio. He fiercely protected his children and his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and a son, Larry Curtis Ledbetter.

He is survived by his sons, Arlie Wayne Ledbetter and wife Angie of Otis, Oregon, Terry Waymon Led better and wife Melissa of Brown wood, and John Ledbetter and wife Shannon of Lubbock; his sister, Linda Anderson of San Antonio; and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Memorials can be sent to Donley County Senior Citizens.

Ledbetter

Scenes from Elvis is back: Casey McKanna & Blue Suede

Elvis is back

Franks: CC alumnus returning to NFR

they score better than most others in the field.

The rise in payouts is a boon for the men and women who are part of the rodeo trail as a business.

“We do this because we love it, but it does make it a lot more fun to have a shot at that much more money every day,” he said. “Every rodeo I went to this past year, they just keep raising the stakes. That’s what keeps you wanting to go more.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been ready to go home; I like staying out on the road. You may get worn out a little bit, but you know there’s all that money out there you can get.”

Money is vital in rodeo. It’s not only how the contestants pay their bills, but it’s also how points are tal lied. Only the top 15 on the money list in each event advance to the NFR. The contestants in each event who conclude the season with the most earnings will be crowned world champions.

Last year, Franks earned more than $150,000 over 10 December nights in the Nevada desert, finishing the season with more than $225,000.

He’ll need a similar showing this season if he hopes to earn the Mon tana Silversmiths gold buckle.

“I’d say I improved quite a bit,” said Franks, whose father, Bret, was a three-time NFR quali fier in saddle bronc riding and whose brother, Clint, is a PRCA bronc rider.

“Mainly, I’d say, I’ve gotten better at being able to handle those big, strong bucking horses, the ones that everybody wants and the ones you can win on.

“Last year, I dropped the ball sometimes on those kinds of horses. I feel like I’ve gotten better at keep ing the ball in my court on those horses while being able to flash up on the weaker end of horses and making them look better.”

It’s a formula that has worked quite well. He made his second straight NFR even though a broken wrist in May and a damaged finger on free hand in July put him on injured reserve for nearly two months. The latter injury was actu ally scarier and happened at one of the largest regular-season rodeos in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

“One thing I realized was that you don’t take your good draw as a sure sign you’ll win,” he said. “At Cheyenne, I knew I had it in the bag based on paper. That went out the window a bit during the short round. The horse flipped all the way upside down on top of me, and I was laying in the bottom of the chute. I don’t know for sure what happened, but it ripped my finger open.”

He rebounded well, built up some style points and closed out his campaign in fine fashion by winning his last rodeo of the regular season in Stephenville, Texas. A week later, he won the first rodeo of the 2023 season in Hempstead, Texas.

He’s been doing the things he needs to stay in shape. He’s been riding some practice horses to pre pare his body for the rigorous week and a half in Las Vegas, which will pit the best 15 bareback riders of the year against 100 of the greatest bucking horses in 2022.

“This is why I do this,” Franks said. “I love it, and to have a chance to compete at that level just makes it that much better.”

Thanksgiving Greetings to All

Casey McKanna & Blue Suede band performed Saturday at the Mulkey Theatre. ENTERPRISE PHOTOS

CISD Board of Trustees met

The Clarendon CISD Board of Trustees met in a regular session November 14 to discuss several

Trustees authorized the board president to sign the Notice Con cerning Summer Nutrition Program letter as presented.

A budget amendment was approved to include the baseball/ softball field renovations.

The approved a motion to add the Safe and Supportive Schools contract with ESC 16 for safety audit services, professional development, and technical assistance regarding school safety and security.

The district stipend schedule was also amended by the board.

Administrative reports were presented by Athletic Director Clint Conkin, Elementary Principal Cyn thia Bessent, CJH Principal Jenifer Pigg, Counselor Jenae Ashbrook, Federal Program Director Jen Bellar, and Superintendent Jarod Bellar.

Shop at Home

Support the merchants who support your community.

Broncos extend play with Area win over Ralls

By Sandy Anderberg

The 9-3 Broncos won the Area championship with a huge win over Ralls in Tulia last Friday.

They breezed to the 48-14 win and gained another step in the playoff race.

The Broncos will take on New Home in Floydada on Friday, November 25, at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the gate.

Lyric Smith did what he’s been doing all season as he scored the first six points for the Broncos on a sweep around the left side from the five-yard line after a strong 13-yard gain a few plays before.

On the Jackrabbits’ first play from scrimmage after the kickoff, the Bronco defensive line stripped the ball to get great field position to set up the Broncos’ second score of the game. Jmaury Davis picked out a hole in the Ralls’ defense and waltzed into the endzone around the right side just a few minutes after their first score.

Harrison Howard hit Quay Brown for the two-point bonus to go up by 14. Davis broke loose once again after a Ralls fumble on their 23-yard line to run the field 77 yards and score again in the second quar ter.

The second half belonged to the Broncos as well as they were able to seal the win with touchdowns on a 49-yard run by Davis and a 26-yard pass from Howard to Smith. Howard then found Mason Sims on a 23-yard pass who was able to get into the endzone from 70 yards out for six points.

Davis earned the final score of the game when he busted through several defenders from 16 yards out.

Lady Broncos’ beat Dumas

By Sandy Anderberg

The Lady Broncos did not hesitate in their 65-41 win over the Dumas Demonettes at home Novem ber 15. They took charge early and left their opponent helpless to stop them.

The Lady Broncos shot 73 per cent from the bonus line and were on fire from the arc as they hit 12 threepointers between six players. Senior Finley Cunningham led the way with five long shots.

Taking a 16-6 lead after eight minutes, the Lady Broncos played consistent and took advantage of several open shots. At the end of three, Clarendon led by 26 points to secure the win. Cunningham and Bailey Gabel finished in double fig ures with 15 and 13 respectively.

The ladies were not only on their game on the offensive end, their hustle defense earned them several turnovers that they were able to convert into points. Along with hustle comes fouls, but they managed to stay out of foul trouble.

Dumas attempted 29 shots from the free throw line, but only made less than half of those shots.

Adding to the point total was Makenna Shadle with nine, Gracie Smith hit eight from under the basket, and Hayden Elam posted seven. Courtlyn Conkin put in five, Berkley Moore had five and Kenna die Cummins, Tandie Cummins, and Kenidee Hayes had one each.

Defense

Bronco Bryce Williams goes in for the tackle last week in Tulia against Ralls.

ENTERPRISE PHOTO /ROGER ESTLACK

Area Champions

ENTERPRISE PHOTO / ROGER ESTLACK

Bronco Josiah Hearn goes up for the catch last week against Ralls.

ENTERPRISE PHOTO / ROGER ESTLACK

THE CITY OF CLARENDON is seeking a collaborative, servant leader with strong character and a desire to build both external and internal relationships to effectively serve as its City Administrator. The City of Clarendon is a Type A General Law City governed by a Mayor and a City Council comprised of five aldermen, who employ a city administrator to oversee the day to day functions of the city located approximately 60 minutes east of the City of Amarillo. The City of Clarendon is seeking a City Administrator to be the City’s chief administrative officer responsible for planning, managing operations, and leading a skilled city employee workforce. The City Administrator will manage an annual City budget of approximately $2 million and deliver exceptional City services to the approximately 2,026 residents. The City Administrator will work intimately with the City Council to create policies and goals to provide for the necessary programs and services of the community.

The City Administrator’s daily responsibilities include implementing and accessing City programs and operations and identifying needed improvements, enhancements, modifications, resources and expansions to better serve the City. The City Administrator will lead a City staff of 35 in managing day-to-day operations, overseeing special projects and administering various grant projects. The ideal candidate will demonstrate an aptitude for leadership, build consensus and possess a broad knowledge of municipal operations. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented, team-builder with strong customer service, communication, and the ability to work with a variety of personalities This position requires a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, political science, business administration, or a related field as well as a minimum of two years of experience in an executive or management level municipal position. Ideally, candidates will have at least three years of experience as a city administrator/ manager, deputy city administrator/manager, or assistant city administrator/manager. Candidates must also have or be able to obtain a Texas driver’s license and must be bondable.

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the responsibilities of the position may be considered.

The City of Clarendon is offering a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000 along with competitive benefits including; retirement, insurance, city supplied vehicle and moving allowance for this position dependent upon experience and qualifications. The Panhandle Regional Planning Council has been contracted to assist the City with this search. A full job description can be found at http://theprpc.org/city-of-ClarendonCityAdministrator.pdf and city description at http://theprpc.org/Clarendon-CityDescription. pdf. To apply for this position, send a cover letter, resume with references, salary history, and requirements to Alex Guerrero, LGS Director, Panhandle Regional Planning Council, 415 SW 8th, Amarillo, Texas 79105 or email the full document package directly to aguerrero@theprpc.org. Address questions to Alex Guerrero at 806-372-3381 or email at aguerrero@theprpc.org. Deadline: Until the position is filled.

The City of Clarendon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce. Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive background check.

classifieds

PUBLIC NOTICE

or structure that has been identified and inspected as substandard and/or hazardous according to the provisions of Unsafe Buildings Ordinance # 33. The hearing will take place at Howardwick City Hall, 247 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas 79226 on the 13th day of December, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. You may present your case as to why this building should not be declared a public nuisance and why you should not be ordered to repair, renovate, or demolish and clear such building or structure from the premises or proof of scope of any work that may be required to comply with the ordinance and the time it will take to reasonably perform the work. If the city council finds that this building is a substandard building or structure, the city council may order the abatement of said condition or conditions by repair, renovation, removal or demolition by you within a reasonable time to be set by the city council and that the city may demolish or remove said building if the owner does not comply with such order. Please give this matter your immediate attention. There are currently no fines nor tickets. The purpose of this notice is to notify you of the issue and hearing.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following property at 31 Janny Dr, Howardwick, Texas 79226 was found to be in violation of the city’s substandard structure ordinance outlined in the Local Government Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 214, for dangerous structures and has been set for a hearing.

OWNERS: Mia Hunter LIENHOLDER: City of Howardwick LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots Thirty-one (31) & Thirty-two (32), in the Comanche Section to the Town of Howardwick, Donley County, Texas PARCEL ID: R7518

PUBLIC NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE

A hearing has been set before the city council for the determination to abate a building or structure that has been identified and inspected as substandard and/or hazardous according to the provisions of Unsafe Buildings Ordinance # 33. The hearing will take place at Howardwick City Hall, 247 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas 79226 on the 13th day of December, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. You may present your case as to why this building should not be declared a public nuisance and why you should not be ordered to repair, renovate, or demolish and clear such building or structure from the premises or proof of scope of any work that may be required to comply with the ordinance and the time it will take to reasonably perform the work. If the city council finds that this building is a substandard building or structure, the city council may order the abatement of said condition or conditions by repair, renovation, removal or demolition by you within a reasonable time to be set by the city council and that the city may demolish or remove said building if the owner does not comply with such order. Please give this matter your immediate attention. There are currently no fines nor tickets. The purpose of this notice is to notify you of the issue and hearing.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following property at 308 Lubbock Ln, Howardwick, Texas 79226 was found to be in violation of the city’s substandard structure ordinance outlined in the Local Government Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 214, for dangerous structures and has been set for a

hearing.

OWNERS: Timothy Benton PARCEL ID: R9813

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lots Three Hundred Eight (308) and Three Hundred Nine (309), in the Saints Roost I Addition to the Town of Howardwick, Donley County, Texas A hearing has been set before the city council for the determination to abate a building or structure that has been identified and inspected as substandard and/or hazardous according to the provisions of Unsafe Buildings Ordinance # 33. The hearing will take place at Howardwick City Hall, 247 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas 79226 on the 13th day of December, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Y ou may present your case as to why this building should not be declared a public nuisance and why you should not be ordered to repair, renovate, or demolish and clear such building or structure from the premises or proof of scope of any work that may be required to comply with the ordinance and the time it will take to reasonably perform the work. If the city council finds that this building is a substandard building or structure, the city council may order the abatement of said condition or conditions by repair, renovation, removal or demolition by you within a reasonable time to be set by the city council and that the city may demolish or remove said building if the owner does not comply with such order. Please give this matter your immediate attention. There are currently no fines nor tickets. The purpose of this notice is to notify you of the issue and hearing.

PUBLIC NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following property at 209 Lakeview Ln, Howardwick, Texas 79226 was found to be in violation of the city’s substandard structure ordinance outlined in the Local Government Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 214, for dangerous structures and has been set for a hearing.

OWNERS: Henry & Rachal Johnson PARCEL ID: R9745

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot Two Hundred Nine (209), of the Saints Roost I Addition, to the Town of Howardwick, Donley County, Texas A hearing has been set before the city council for the determination to abate a building

A hearing has been set before the city council for the determination to abate a building or structure that has been identified and inspected as substandard and/or hazardous according to the provisions of Unsafe Buildings Ordinance # 33. The hearing will take place at Howardwick City Hall, 247 Rick Husband Blvd, Howardwick, Texas 79226 on the 13th day of December, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. You may present your case as to why this building should not be declared a public nuisance and why you should not be ordered to repair, renovate, or demolish and clear such building or structure from the premises or proof of scope of any work that may be required to comply with the ordinance and the time it will take to reasonably perform the work. If the city council finds that this building is a substandard building or structure, the city council may order the abatement of said condition or conditions by repair, renovation, removal or demolition by you within a reasonable time to be set by the city council and that the city may demolish or remove said building if the owner does not comply with such order. Please give this matter your immediate attention. There are currently no fines nor tickets. The purpose of this notice is to notify you of the issue and hearing.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The following property at 15 Lubbock Lane, Howardwick, Texas 79226 was found to be in violation of the city’s substandard structure ordinance outlined in the Local Government Code, Title 7, Subtitle A, Chapter 214, for dangerous structures and has been set for a hearing.

OWNERS: Michael J & Shawn Leggett

LEGAL DESCRIPTION: Lot Fifteen (15), of the Saints Roost II Addition, to the Town of Howardwick, Donley County, Texas PARCEL ID: R9850

Casper ready to roll at NFR

By Ted Harbin, TwisTed Rodeo

Clarendon

College alumnus Wyatt Casper learned a valuable lesson through the course of ProRo deo’s 2022 regular season: Don’t try to rush back from an injury.

Casper is a saddle bronc rider who makes a living riding dyna mite in the form of bucking horses. In early July, he suffered a partially torn right hamstring. He tried to ride through it, but that just didn’t work. He took two weeks off, returned, then spent two more weeks back on the injured list before trying it again.

He found his way back to the game by the end of that month and rode through the next two weeks, picking up checks along the way. In Heber City, Utah, though, he tore the muscle completely and had to finish out the season on injured reserve. It was back home to the Texas Panhan dle to recuperate and hang out with his wife, Lesley, and their two chil dren, Cooper, 4, and Cheyenne, who will be 3 in December.

“With one negative, there’s a positive, and that was being able to come home and hang with the wife and kids and doing stuff I don’t nor mally get to do,” said Casper, 26, of Miami. “I don’t know what they’re going to do when I’m out rodeoing again.”

Since that day in early August, Casper has been going through reha bilitation and getting himself pre pared. His season isn’t over. He’s earned his third straight qualification to the National Finals Rodeo, the sport’s grand finale that takes place Dec. 1-10 in Las Vegas. He finished his campaign with $123,802 and will enter the competition in the Nevada desert as the 11th-ranked bronc rider in the world standings.

“It’s been a pretty cool year,” he said. “I would take every year like this if I could have a good start to the year like I did and still make the NFR even missing the last two months of the season.

“I’m still rehabbing my ham string, slowly getting it ready for the finals. Shawn Scott (with the Justin Sportsmedicine team) and I got together, and he wanted me to give it 60 days off without getting on any broncs. We’ve been doing regular stuff, stretching it, band work and light lifting. I’m just trying ot get it 100 percent again. It feels really good.”

That bodes well for the Texas cowboy, who was raised on a place near Balko, Okla., and moved to Texas to attend Clarendon College; he remained in the Texas Panhandle upon getting married in 2017. He fin ished the 2020 season as the reserve world champion to titlist Ryder Wright, then closed out the 2021 season eighth in the world standings.

There were plenty of bright spots through his latest campaign. One doesn’t miss a good portion of

the final three months of the regu lar season and still make the NFR without that. Only the top 15 con testants on the money list advance to the sport’s grand championship, and doing it three times in a row is quite an accomplishment.

“I don’t feel like I changed any thing from what I’ve been doing that last couple of years,” Casper said. “I just kept a positive attitude and had good traveling partners.”

That’s helpful. He made his way along the ProRodeo trail with fellow bronc busters Jake Clark, Brody Cress and Lefty Holman. Cress and Holman will join Casper in Las Vegas.

“To be a good bronc rider, you’ve got to surround yourself with other good bronc riders,” said Casper, who is sponsored by Prief ert, Superior Livestock, Resistol, Cinch, TD Angus, MVP Exceed 6 Way and Western Hauler. “We’re all a little different in our own ways, but at the end of the day, we all feed off each other and always try to have a positive attitude. If one guy’s down, we try to pick him up.

“Being able to qualify for the NFR three times consecutively is a feat in itself. The group of bronc riders you have to ride against day in and day out are the best in the world. To be able to say you’ve made it three times is pretty darn cool.”

A half-dozen years ago, Casper brought home the most cherished prize in college rodeo while attend ing school at Clarendon. He became the college’s first national champion and has built upon that since arriving in ProRodeo.

In a typical year when he’s not away from home, he rides and trains horses at his place near Miami. The injury put a damper on that a bit this year, but he’s been back at it and working himself into a frenzy to get back in the bronc saddle again. His body feels good.

“I haven’t been on a bronc since August, so I don’t have a lot of bumps and bruises,” he said. “I’m just ready to get out there and battle for 10 days.”

It’s a rugged schedule once he arrives in Sin City. There are buck ing horses for 10 straight nights, and there are appearances and obli gations when he’s not spurring an 1,100-pound bronc. He’s been part of it before, and each experience has offered him a bit of on-the-job train ing.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned is you need to ride all your horses,” Casper said. “I’ve been there two times, and I have yet to get them all rode. I’m going through the prepa ration, and I’m trying to get that all figured out before the NFR. I’m also trying to figure out how to take care of myself at the NFR.

“There’s a lot that goes into it, but I’m ready for it.”

County okays bid for LED lighting

Donley County Commissioners held their regular Monday and took action on several agenda items.

A bid from Triangle Electric was approved to convert lighting inside the courthouse to LED lights.

The court also approved the judicial district asset forfeiture report for 2021-2022.

An amendment in the amount of $517.79 was approved for the 2022-2023 Lateral Road Budget.

Commissioners also discussed county longevity pay.

A request from the county attor ney to attend training in Horseshoe Bay was approved.

After discussion on train ing employees who use hazardous chemicals, the county will contact Texas Association of Counties to provide such training.

Election results from the 2022 General Election were canvassed.

County Judge John Howard said the county also opened a loan bid on repairing windows in the 1890 Courthouse. The bid came in close to $300,000 and was twice the estimated amount. Howard said the county’s architects are consulting with the bidder to determine why the bid was so high and determine a more affordable solution.

College funds:

“The accelerating pace of change in our economy requires bold new approaches to support our community colleges,” said Texas Higher Education Commissioner Harrison Keller. “The new funding model must empower community colleges across the state – from the largest urban colleges to small, ruralserving colleges – to educate many more students from all backgrounds so they can earn credentials of value in the Texas workforce of today and tomorrow.”

In addition to the focus on rewarding community colleges for positive outcomes, the TxCCCF rec ommends that the state make com munity colleges more affordable by increasing financial aid through Texas Educational Opportunity Grants (TEOG); providing more aid for dual credit courses for economi cally disadvantaged students; and supporting apprenticeships, workstudy, internships, and other workbased learning opportunities.

If implemented, the recommen dations would also increase capacity in community colleges by providing seed grants for programs in highdemand fields; supporting shared services and partnerships for col leges to become more efficient; and helping them provide high-quality, noncredit credentials that are con vertible and stackable with creditbearing programs.

Under Texas’s current commu nity college funding model, most revenue is generated by tuition and property taxes, which are set and col lected locally. Over the past decade, local property tax collections have increased significantly. The state also contributes funding through a formula that considers how colleges perform in relation to one another.

The system was developed to meet the needs of colleges when they were established in the early 20th century. It does not fully rec ognize the role community colleges play today.

Members of the TxCCCF will be available throughout the legisla tive session to provide guidance and support to lawmakers as they con sider the recommended changes.

At a time for reflection and gratitude, we’re reminded of how fortunate we are to be a part of this welcoming and vibrant community. Thanks for your loyal support through the years and the challenges. We appreciate all you’ve done to make us feel so at home here, and we simply can’t think of a better place to be at the holidays and always.

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With best wishes for a safe and joyful celebration from our entire team, Happy Thanksgiving!

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Wyatt Casper riding at the NFR in 2021. COURTESY PHOTO / ROBBY FREEMAN